FEATURE MIDDLE EAST CRUISES
adventurous 4x4 desert safari; or plodding across them Bedouin-style on the back of a camel. Dubai, with extravagant hotels, swish
restaurants, designer shopping malls and even an indoor ski centre, is a buzzing metropolis and very much the hub of the region. It is the start and finishing point for most Gulf sailings. Fujairah, like Dubai, is also part of the United Arab Emirates and boasts the oldest mosque in the UAE, along with a 17th century fortress. As the gateway to the surrounding mountains, it is a good spot for dune-bashing 4x4 trips. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is one of
the highlights. The mountainous backdrop adds to its appeal, but the city itself has much to recommend it, with a stylish corniche encircling the bay, Portuguese forts, a spectacular seaside palace and the Grand Mosque. Abu Dhabi, the largest and wealthiest emirate, is also undergoing something of a tourism boom. The main sights include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, said to contain the world’s largest chandelier; the lavish Emirates Palace hotel and the themed Ferrari World. Khasab, nicknamed the Norway of Arabia due to its rugged coastline and the Khor Ash Sham fjord, is well worth a visit. Founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, traces of their influence still remain, even though the city is now part of Oman. An ideal point for taking a dhow trip along the beautiful coastline.
“Our guests love the mix of ancient culture and modern marvels”
From The Front Line JO RZYMOWSKA
RCL Cruises UK & Ireland, Associate Vice President & GM
“Our decision to home port Brilliance of the Seas in Dubai has been one of the catalysts that has driven forward cruise growth in the Middle East. Initially it was on a trial basis, but when Brilliant of the Seas returned the following year, the winter season was extended. Agents responded exceptionally well and transferred the confidence they had selling such a year-round sunshine destination over to cruise. “The strong guest feedback to the onboard experience has also helped cement Dubai as a firm favourite cruise destination for British travellers.”
GIULIO LIBUTTI MSC Cruises UK & Ireland Managing Director “We chose the Emirates
because we were sure our guests would be enchanted by the ancient culture and modern marvels of this wonderful land,
and the programme has become increasingly popular with UK customers. “The introduction of Abu Dhabi and
the Emirates as a new destination offers our guests the prospect of a vast array of fascinating shore excursions as well as an alternative port of embarkation. The culture and entertainment is different from Dubai, but Dubai still remains an important port for MSC Cruises. If passengers want to embark in Dubai, we can arrange that for them.”
SARAH BOLTON Travel Counsellor “Cruising in the Middle East is becoming more
and more popular – both for first-time cruisers and regulars. It offers an alternative winter cruise destination to the usual offerings in the Canaries, or further afield to the Caribbean. “The Middle East is an ideal destination for guaranteed winter sunshine and culture. Due to the relatively short flight time, and direct regional flights from the UK available, the area is great for a quick break away, or a ‘second holiday’. Most cruises are seven-night durations, which means that they can be taken either as a one-week holiday or extended by adding pre- or
post-cruise hotel stays to make a longer break and explore the area further (usually in Dubai or Abu Dhabi). “Most of my guests have taken this opportunity and usually added a three- night stay in the Jumeirah beach area in Dubai in order to explore more of the city and the desert, as well as to chill out on a beautiful beach for a few days.”
Where To Book It COSTA CRUISES – 0845 351 0552 www.
costacruises.co.uk
MSC CRUISES – 0844 561 1955
www.msccruises.co.uk
RCL CRUISES – 0844 493 2061
www.royalcaribbean.com
DUBAI CRUISE TERMINAL
www.www.dubaitourism.ae www.definitelydubai.com •
Learn more about selling cruising...
www.sellinglonghaul.com • April 2012 51
MSC CRUISES
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76